What hummingbird flowers are native to NC?

North Carolina is home to a variety of vibrant native flowers that attract hummingbirds. With over 500 species of birds that inhabit the state, North Carolina provides the ideal climate and habitat for these tiny, fascinating creatures. By planting native flowers, North Carolinians can easily transform their gardens, yards, and green spaces into a hummingbird paradise.

Why Plant Native Flowers?

Planting native flowers that attract hummingbirds is beneficial for both the birds and gardeners. Native plants are already well-adapted to the local soil, rainfall, climate, and pollinators of the region. This makes them easier to grow and care for than non-native species. Native plants help preserve biodiversity by providing food and habitat for native wildlife like hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. They require less maintenance, pesticides, water, and fertilizer compared to exotic plants. Native flowers sustain pollinators, support the local ecosystem, and maintain natural beauty in your own backyard.

Top Native NC Flowers for Hummingbirds

Here are some of the best North Carolina native flowers for attracting hummingbirds to your garden:

1. Cardinal Flower

With its vibrant red tubular blooms, cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a magnet for hummingbirds in late summer. This hardy perennial grows 2-4 feet tall on moist soils and blooms July through September. It thrives along stream banks, pond edges, and in rain gardens. Its nectar-rich, scarlet flowers perfectly accommodate a hummingbird’s long, slender beak. Cardinal flower is low maintenance, has few pests, and readily self-seeds once established. For best results, provide partial shade and regular moisture.

2. Bee Balm

Also called monarda, bee balm (Monarda spp.) is a summer-blooming North Carolina native wildflower that entices hummingbirds with its red, pink, or purple flowers. Growing up to 4 feet tall, bee balm thrives in sun or part shade in average garden soils with good drainage. The tubular flowers bloom from June to September, providing an ongoing nectar source. Hummingbirds relish the sweet nectar of monarda species like Oswego tea (M. didyma), purple bergamot (M. fistulosa), and wild bergamot (M. fistulosa). Pinch back bee balm in early summer to promote bushier growth and more flowers.

3. Coral Honeysuckle

A hummingbird favorite, coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) blooms from early spring to fall with long, tubular red flowers that attract hummingbirds. This adaptable woody vine grows quickly up trellises, fences, and arbors in full sun to part shade. It thrives throughout North Carolina in average to poor soil. The trumpet-shaped blooms provide copious nectar for sustained energy. Hummingbirds also use the vine’s dense foliage for nesting and shelter. For best flowering, prune this semi-evergreen vine back in late winter to promote new growth.

4. Columbine

Showy native columbine flowers (Aquilegia canadensis) have an elegant, dangling shape with backward-curving petals in hues of red and yellow. This perennial grows 1-3 feet tall blooming in spring or early summer. The blooms provide an appealing mid-level nectar source. Columbine grows best in partly sunny settings with well-drained soil. It readily self-seeds to create drifts and attract hummingbirds year after year. There are also lovely hybrid columbines in colors like pink, purple, white, and coral.

5. Trumpet Honeysuckle

Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a twining vine that blooms from early spring to late summer. The tubular red flowers are perfect for hummingbird nourishment. Growing 15-20 feet long, trumpet honeysuckle thrives statewide in full sun or light shade. It adapts readily to any soil, except permanently wet sites. Regular watering encourages the most prolific flowering. Prune vines back every few years to control growth. The leaves are semievergreen so provide greenery through winter. Hummingbirds feast on the nectar and use the dense vines for nest sites.

6. Cardinal Vine

A showy annual vine, cardinal climber (Ipomoea sloteri) has vivid red trumpet-shaped blooms that attract hummingbirds all season long. Growing up to 20 feet in a single season, it quickly covers fences and trellises with lush, heart-shaped foliage. Cardinal vine thrives in full sun and moist, fertile soil. It self-seeds readily for a continual display of scarlet blooms. Hummingbirds are highly attracted to the copious nectar. For ongoing blooms, provide regular water and pinch back tips to encourage branching.

7. Trumpet Creeper

Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) is a fast-growing vine that produces floral trumpets in vibrant orange-red. It blooms repeatedly from early summer into fall. A mature vine can grow 40 feet or more, readily covering arbors, trellises, and fences in full sun or part shade. Trumpet creeper has lush green foliage and spreads aggressively via suckers. It grows in almost any soil but performs best in moist, loamy sites. Provide regular water in summer for the most abundant flowering. Hummingbirds flock to the tubular flowers for their sweet nectar.

8. Penstemon

With trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, and white, penstemon (Penstemon spp.) is an excellent native wildflower for hummingbirds. Species like foxglove penstemon (P. digitalis), Carolina phlox (P. carolinianus), and large-flowered penstemon (P. grandiflorus) typically grow 2-4 feet tall. They thrive in full sun to part shade in well-drained to dry soil. Penstemon adds height and color to garden beds, borders, and meadows. Tubular blooms appear in late spring and summer, providing essential food for hummingbird migration and nesting. Let some penstemon flowers go to seed for new plants next year.

9. Butterfly Weed

A member of the milkweed family, butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) has clusters of bright orange flowers atop stems 2-3 feet tall. It thrives in full sun and dry to medium moisture levels. Butterfly weed blooms prolifically from early to mid-summer with a long flowering period. The upright flower shape is perfectly adapted for hummingbird feeding. It attracts both ruby-throated and rufous hummingbirds. Its nectar sustains adults and fledglings. Once established, butterfly weed readily spreads by rhizomes to create a low-maintenance colony.

10. Crossvine

Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) is a climbing evergreen vine with gorgeous spring flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and rarely white. The trumpet-shaped blooms appear in March to early May, providing an early season food source. Crossvine flowers are highly attractive to ruby-throated hummingbirds. Growing up to 40 feet high, crossvine spreads aggressively and adapts readily to various soil types. It thrives in full sun to part shade. Pruning is only needed to control spread. Crossvine foliage remains green all winter, also providing shelter for hummingbirds.

Other Native Options

Beyond the top 10, there are many other fantastic North Carolina native flowers that attract hummingbirds. Consider adding these beauties to your garden:

• Fire pink (Silene virginica)
• Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
• Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
• Larkspur (Delphinium spp.)
• Blue sage (Salvia azurea)
• Coral bells (Heuchera americana)
• Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea)
• Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
• Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans)
• Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
• Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
• Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
• Fire pink (Silene virginica)
• Phlox (Phlox spp.)
• Blazing star (Liatris spp.)

When and Where to See Hummingbirds

In North Carolina, hummingbirds arrive between early March to mid-May for the breeding season. The exact timing varies depending on weather and location. They primarily breed and reside in the state from April through September. Some species like rufous hummingbirds pass through in spring and fall migration.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds winter along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and farther south. They migrate northward across the eastern United States each spring. Rufous hummingbirds winter in Mexico and migrate through western states. Native plantings through North Carolina provide essential nourishment for their long journeys.

While hummingbirds are found statewide, the richest populations occur in the mountain region. The lush forests filled with native wildflowers provide ideal breeding habitat. Coastal areas, the Sandhills region, and the Piedmont also attract many hummingbirds during summer.

Plantings near forest edges, streams, and meadows tend to draw in more hummingbirds by providing food, water sources, shelter, and nesting sites. Maintaining native plants in your yard, balcony containers, or garden helps sustain hummingbirds where needed.

Attracting Hummingbirds

Here are some key tips for bringing more hummingbirds to your North Carolina garden:

• Plant a diversity of tubular native flowers in colors like red, orange, pink, and purple
• Include both annuals and perennials for season-long blooms
• Situate flowers in proximity to provide a rich feeding area
• Use native vines, trees, and shrubs to create shelter and perches
• Provide a water source like a fountain, mister, or bird bath
• Supply extra feeding with store-bought nectar (1 part sugar to 4 parts water)
• Avoid pesticides which can poison hummingbirds
• Welcome all pollinators like bees, butterflies, and bats too
• Be patient! It takes time for hummingbirds to discover new plantings

Key Species in North Carolina

North Carolina is blessed with a diversity of stunning hummingbirds. Here are descriptions of some species you may spot:

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

• Most common species in Eastern US
• Iridescent green back, white breast, ruby red throat on males
• Nests in NC mountains; winters along Gulf Coast
• Feisty attitude; aggressively defends flower patches
• Favored flowers have tubular red blooms

Rufous Hummingbird

• Summer migrant along West Coast
• Some migrate through NC in spring and fall
• Males have bright coppery orange plumage
• They winter in Mexico and along Gulf Coast
• Love flowers in the red and orange color family

Black-Chinned Hummingbird

• Rare summer visitors to NC mountains
• Males have dark purple head and chin
• Nest in western states; winter along Mexico border
• Attracted to red tubular flowers and feeders
• Seen in NC mainly during fall migration

Rarer species like Allen’s, broad-tailed, buff-bellied, calliope, and Anna’s hummingbirds occasionally stop by during migration. Keep an eye out for these special visitors when native plants are in bloom.

Ideal Garden Design

When designing a garden to attract hummingbirds, aim to mimic their natural habitat. Focus on providing a continuous sequence of bloom times, tubular flower shapes, shelter, water, and small open spaces.

Groupings of the same plants create bold drifts of color that catch a hummingbird’s eye. Repeat vital food sources like bee balm, cardinal flower, and coral honeysuckle for a reliable supply. Plants like butterfly weed and larkspur have perfectly adapted, upright blooms at the right height.

Wooded edges, mixed beds, flower borders, container gardens, hanging baskets, and pollinator meadows make great spots to welcome hummingbirds. Add arbors, trellises, and fences draped with native vines like trumpet creeper and coral honeysuckle.

Include protected sites, water features, and small trees or shrubs for perching, nesting, and shelter from the elements. Keep feeders refreshed to provide backup food between bloom cycles. Avoid pesticides which can be lethal to hummingbirds.

Sample Plants for a NC Hummingbird Garden

Enjoy the Magic

With their dazzling beauty and aerial acrobatics, hummingbirds captivate mind, body, and soul. By landscaping with North Carolina native plants, you can easily create a magical space alive with these shimmering jewels. Nature will reward your efforts many times over.

Watching ruby-throated hummers compete for their favorite flowers never loses its wonder. The sight of a delicate nest or new hatchlings will inspire you. When curious hummers hover nearby to inspect you, it’s impossible not to feel touched. Even the cranky antics of males defending territories prompt a smile.

Let native Carolina plants turn your garden into a wildlife haven buzzing with hummingbirds from spring through fall. The more flowers you provide, the more winged magic you’ll experience! With a little patience and planning, you can immerse yourself in the uplifting world of hummingbirds right at home.